Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Encounter Bay, Australia, where outdoor activities are a big part of the lifestyle. With varying UV levels throughout the day, being aware of these fluctuations can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and promote long-term skin health. Encounter Bay's Csb climate features temperate conditions that can still present substantial UV exposure risks, especially during midday hours when the index peaks at 3. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day presents an interesting pattern of solar exposure. Starting at 07:00, it gently peaks at 1, remaining steady for the next hour. By 09:00, the index climbs to 2, reflecting the sun's increasing intensity. The sun gains momentum, reaching its highest values of 3 by 11:00, and sustaining this level until 13:00. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually declines, dropping back to 2 by 14:00 and finally tapering off to a 1 from 15:00 onwards. By the evening, from 17:00 to 19:00, the UV Index dips to 0, indicating a safe period to bask in the fading sunlight. Overall, it’s a day where sun safety is essential, especially during the peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 11:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 12:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 13:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 15:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal UV changes reveal that the months of January to March experience extreme UV Index levels, with a maximum of 14, necessitating a burn time of just 10 minutes. As we move into April, the UV index drops slightly to 8, categorized as very high, while May and June see moderate levels at 5 and 3, resulting in longer burn times of 30 minutes. August sees a return to moderate UV levels before rising to high in September with a UV index of 7. As the year concludes, October and November see extreme and very high levels again, urging caution for outdoor activities. The high-risk months for UV exposure are therefore January, February, March, November, and December. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety during these periods by wearing protective clothing, using high-SPF sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure, especially during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne UVI | 14 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 |
| Encounter Bay | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 |
| Adelaide UVI | 14 | 13 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 15 |
| Sydney UVI | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 |
| Perth UVI | 14 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 14 |
| Brisbane UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 |